Decorative Composite Body Comprising a Solar Cell

Abstract

There is proposed a decorative element containing(a) a transparent gemstone with a faceted surface comprising convex curved regions,(b) a wavelength-selective layer, and(c) a photovoltaic cell.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a decorative element containing a faceted transparent body comprising convex curved regions, a wavelength-selective layer, and a photovoltaic cell. The decorative element is suitable for energy supply, including in the field of wearable electronics.BACKGROUND ART[0002]To date, faceted gemstones have been employed almost exclusively for purely aesthetic purposes in accessories and on textiles, but hardly had any functional effect. In the field of wearable electronics (so-called “wearable technologies”), a market with enormous growth opportunities, they are lacking, because this field is associated by the users with functionality rather than decoration. One of the greatest challenges in the field of wearable technologies, such as body sensors, “smart watches” or data glasses, is energy supply, the abrupt failure of which makes the devices inoperative at often unexpected times.[0003]From the patent application US 2013 / 0329402, energy...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a combination of a transparent gemstone, a photovoltaic cell, and a layer that selectively absorbs light. The resulting composite body not only provides a breathtaking appearance, but also has improved energy supply properties. It can collect more energy from sunlight than traditional solar cells, making it ideal for use in decorative designs. The size and energy output of the composite bodies depend on the application and irradiance, but even in low-light settings, they can still provide enough energy to power wearable electronic devices.

Problems solved by technology

To date, faceted gemstones have been employed almost exclusively for purely aesthetic purposes in accessories and on textiles, but hardly had any functional effect.

In the field of wearable electronics (so-called “wearable technologies”), a market with enormous growth opportunities, they are lacking, because this field is associated by the users with functionality rather than decoration.

One of the greatest challenges in the field of wearable technologies, such as body sensors, “smart watches” or data glasses, is energy supply, the abrupt failure of which makes the devices inoperative at often unexpected times.

To date, there has been a lack of any technical solution of designing solar cells in a demanding decorative way, so that they may also be processed as gemstones.

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